WELCOME:

Solano Community College values the diversity of our community and is committed to honoring and empowering all of our students. We are seeking highly motivated applicants who excel in their chosen fields and are committed to working with the students from our communities. We invite student-oriented applicants who provide culturally responsive teaching, use a strength-based approach centered on students and are committed to continuous improvement of instructional effectiveness.

Solano Community College District is a single college district that serves one of the most ethnically and racially diverse counties in California. Located on the ancestral lands of the Patwin people, Solano Community College’s Fairfield campus is in the heart of Suisun Valley midway between San Francisco and Sacramento. We also serve students at centers in Vallejo and Vacaville, at Travis Air Force Base, and at three correctional facilities. Our many innovative programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including a new library and learning center, science labs, and lecture rooms.

Students who attend Solano Community College are dedicated, persistent, and remarkable individuals who deserve the best opportunities a community college can provide. Our students come from both urban and rural communities, the military, and other diverse economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We serve students who represent the following cultures: Asian American (6%), Black/African American (15%), Filipino/a/x (9%), Hispanic/Latino/a/x (36%), Pacific Islanders (1%), Multi-Ethnic (9%), and White Non-Hispanic (22%). We seek candidates who embrace our community and our student population, and who have an unwavering commitment to equity, especially the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion.

Solano Community College is committed to applying promising practices in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). We are cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students.

We invite you to join us on our journey to provide equitable and anti-racist education honoring and empowering the students of Solano Community College.

Position Overview

The Director of the Solano Community College Educational Foundation occupies the pivotal role of chief fundraising officer, tasked with spearheading the Foundation's philanthropic initiatives aimed at furthering the mission of Solano Community College. Reporting directly to the Superintendent-President, this essential position is responsible for establishing and attaining fundraising targets, managing donor relationships, directing marketing and communications strategies, and overseeing the operational administration of the Foundation. Collaborating extensively with the Foundation Board of Directors, college leadership, alumni, and community stakeholders, the Director is instrumental in securing vital resources that enhance student success and promote institutional excellence.

Responsibilities

1. Fundraising & Development

Develop and execute annual and long-term fundraising strategies to support scholarships, academic programs, and institutional priorities.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward all major gifts and donations.
Lead annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, telemarketing, and the President’s Circle program.
Build relationships with business and industry partners, securing corporate and foundation sponsorships and grants.
Expand planned giving initiatives, educating donors on estate and legacy giving opportunities.

2. Board & Governance Administration

Serve as the primary liaison between the Foundation Board and the college administration.
Provide staff support for Foundation committees, ensuring meeting materials, reports, and minutes are accurate and timely.
Recruit new board members and retain current board members to keep an active and engaged board.
Guide Board members in leveraging their networks for fundraising and advocacy efforts.

3. Financial & Trust Management

Develop and oversee the Foundation’s operating budget, ensuring financial sustainability and transparency.
Monitor and report on investment performance for endowments and trust funds.
Supervise the preparation of financial statements and tax filings for charitable trusts.

4. Donor & Alumni Engagement

Maintain and enhance relationships with donors, alumni, and community leaders to expand the Foundation’s reach.
Oversee the donor management system to ensure the accuracy of donor and prospect information.
Plan and execute stewardship activities, ensuring donors are recognized and engaged.

5. Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations

Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to promote the Foundation’s initiatives.
Represent Solano Community College and the Foundation at community and philanthropic events.
Oversee the creation of fundraising collateral, newsletters, updates and digital communications.

6. Event Planning & Management

Direct and manage fundraising events, donor receptions, and community engagement activities.
Provide leadership and support to college departments in organizing events that align with fundraising goals.

7. Leadership & Personnel Management

Recruit, train, and supervise Foundation staff and volunteers.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing organizational culture.

8. Strategic Planning & Institutional Advancement

Partner with college leadership, faculty, and staff to integrate fundraising initiatives with institutional priorities.
Develop multi-year strategic plans for Foundation growth, donor engagement, and endowment expansion.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from an accredited institution.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in an educational organization or a non-profit organization, including the development, execution, and evaluation of successful strategies with major gifts and donor development experience

Proven track record in major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, business leaders, and college administrators.
Expertise in fundraising software, CRM systems, and data analysis.

Expertise in higher education, community colleges, or nonprofit organizations.
Leadership skills in staff supervision, volunteer coordination, and board engagement.
Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and implement long-term fundraising plans.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as needed.

Employer

Solano Community College

Address

4000 Suisun Valley Road

Fairfield, California, 94534-3197

Phone

707-864-7128

Website

http://www.solano.edu

Job Details

Director, Solano community College Educational Foundation

About the Role: